The latest preview build of Windows 10 has introduced a series of subtle yet intriguing modifications to both the Start menu and the Settings app. These changes reflect Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to enhance user engagement with its ecosystem of services.
Start Menu Enhancements
Among the updates, the positioning of the user tile within the Start menu has been adjusted, now prominently placed at the top of the hamburger menu. This new layout allows users to quickly access an overview of their Microsoft Account and subscription status. If users are not subscribed to Microsoft 365, the menu will provide a gentle nudge, informing them of their subscription status—a feature that mirrors recent enhancements in Windows 11.
Settings App Visual Refresh
Additionally, the Settings app is undergoing a visual refresh, with plans to replace the traditional monochrome icons with more vibrant alternatives. This change aims to make the interface more inviting and encourage users to engage with essential functions, such as updating Windows or signing in with a Microsoft Account.
Backporting Features from Windows 11
Since reaffirming its commitment to Windows 10 after the launch of Windows 11, Microsoft has been steadily backporting features to enrich the user experience. Notable additions since November include Windows Copilot and MSN widgets on the lock screen, designed to keep users connected and informed.
Strategic Moves and Future Implications
The recent updates, first highlighted by the user @phantomofearth on X, suggest that Microsoft is not merely focusing on aesthetic improvements but is also strategically steering users towards its suite of services. The changes appear to be a calculated move to promote subscriptions to Microsoft 365, OneDrive, Xbox Game Pass, and Copilot Pro, rather than solely enhancing user satisfaction.
As Microsoft continues to innovate within Windows 10, it raises questions about the future of the platform, particularly with its end of support looming just over a year away. Nevertheless, these updates signal a clear intent to keep users engaged and connected to Microsoft’s broader ecosystem, even as the company prepares for the next chapter in its operating system journey.
